Element for connecting an accessory instrument to a vacuum cleaner

Claim 1

A connecting element for connecting an accessory instrument to a vacuum cleaner, comprising a front portion having a central axis and being tiltably connectable with an accessory instrument; a connecting portion having a further central axis and connectable with a vacuum cleaner, said connecting portion being connected with said front portion rotatable between a normal relative position and a plurality of further relative positions; and means for rotatably connecting said connecting portion with said front portion so that in said normal position the central axes of said portions extend rectilinearly in one direction, whereas in said further positions the central axes of said portions extend at angles relative to one another, said connecting means being formed by a rotary joint including a shell section formed in the interior of said connecting portion, and a central section which is separate from said front portion and has a first end part arranged in the interior of said front portion and a second end part extending axially outwardly beyond the latter and into the interior of said shell section, said second end part of said central section having a radially outer surface which is inclined relative to said first-mentioned central axis, whereas said shell section has a radially inner surface which is inclined relative to said second-mentioned central axis, said inclined surfaces cooperating with one another for rotation of said portions between said positions, and said inclined surfaces as well as all parts of said joint being arranged inside said portions.